Hello everyone ! Having a bit of a moment ! Had my chemo talk today , telling me everything I have to expect/change . Struggling to make sense of how I’m supposed to stay safe (infection etc wise) as I have 5 girls at home all going to different schools/colleges and obviously picking up bugs etc ?! Also would appreciate how others have dealt with the guilt I already have about putting so much additional pressure on my wonderful partner !?
Hi pumpkin1970
Welcome to the BCC discussion forums where I am sure you will get lots of good, honest support from the many informed users of this site.
I have put for you below the link to BCC’s publication regarding chemotherapy and would suggest that you give our helpline team here a ring and have a chat about your concerns, they’re here to support you. Calls are free, 0808 800 6000 lines open Mon-Fri 9-5 and Sat 10-2.
www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/treatment-side-effects/chemotherapy-breast-cancer-bcc17
Take care,
Jo, Facilitator
Pumpkin, I have four sons (twenties/teens) so had similar worries. The only big change was I asked them not to bring friends round while I was having chemo. Apart from that it’s all about hygiene - keep the antibac hand gel all over the place and make sure everyone uses it. Two of the boys had sickness bug during my treatment which terrified me but I managed to avoid it; we wiped everything daily while they were sick with antibac wipes including light switches, remote controls etc. Sounds hard work but it paid off as I managed to stay well. I was lucky to have my mum here during my “bad weeks”, she’s hot on hygiene anyway so she kept everything lovely and clean, not sure my husband and boys would have done such a good job!
Good luck with your treatment! xx
Hi Pumpkin. I understand your concerns as I have 3 boys (12,15,18) who aren’t the most hygienic! I have employed a cleaner who gives my house a thorough clean once a week, although i know everyone can’t afford this luxury! Like Teej I have antibacterial wipes everywhere and gel, which I am constantly nagging the boys to use. My OH has been banished to the kids room the last 3 nights with a cold, it’s been bliss ;).
Don’t forget they tell you the worse case scenario at your pre visit. I’ve been lucky so far and besides the s/e’s being annoying I’ve managed to get out and about, do dinners, ferry the kids about etc. I’ve just made sure I nap when I can.
Please don’t feel guilty about your family, I know it’s hard, I too felt that way at first. You didn’t choose this! Your focus should be to remain positive that you will not let this bu**er beat you. You will have low days, feel angry and upset but there will be days when you feel you can take on the world! please come on board and have a rant, moan or even a giggle! I think there is a thread for ladies starting chemo in July which would be great to join. I’m a June Jewel and their support and knowing I’m not alone on this journey has been a life saver.
Take care and good luck, remember its all doable xxx
Hi,
I have 3 kids, 10,14 and 17 and finished Chemo in Feb. I got a massive fright when told about the risks of infection and was pretty scared of ending up in hospital. I was moderately careful during chemo, avoiding crowded places during my days of lowest immunity and upping the hand washing regime a bit. I’m not sure it made a great deal of difference. Bugs cannot be eliminated entirely and I got fed up of isolating myself. I was lucky and did not pick up any infections during chemo though I had a few worrying moments. i think I read somewhere that we are most at risk of infections that are lying dormant e.g if you’ve previously had lung problems, chicken pox virus etc. So be vigilant. Otherwise just make sure you rest when you need to and try to get a bit of fresh air daily. It does help with your sense of normality and well being.
All the best.
xxx